Frequently asked questions
If yours is not here, send it to us. We answer within a business day.
What is home watch?
Home watch is a visual inspection of your property, inside and out, while you are away. We look for obvious issues such as leaks, heating or cooling failures, mold, insects and rodents, damage, and anything unsafe, and we send you a report with photos after every visit.
Who exactly will be in my house?
Gary Voiles, the owner. He retired as Deputy Police Chief of Dearborn Heights after 32 years, most of them as a criminal investigator. No one else goes into your home.
Do you take every client?
No. We accept a limited number of clients who live close to one another, so every home gets our full attention. If the list is full, we will tell you honestly.
Where do you work?
Oakland County, with a focus on Bloomfield, Waterford, White Lake, Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake, Rochester, and Royal Oak. If you are a little outside that, ask.
Do I need to log in to anything?
No. The report comes by email and stands on its own. There is a client page if you want past reports, and signing in is a six digit code sent to your email. No passwords.
What if you find a problem?
We protect the house first if it cannot wait, then call you before the report goes out. We tell you what we saw, what we did about it, and what we recommend. With your permission, we can arrange a repair through a trusted local vendor and meet them at the house.
What happens in an emergency?
If there is water, no heat, or an open door, the house gets protected first, then you get the call. That might mean the water is already shut off when you pick up.
How do you get in?
You give us a key or codes when we walk the house together. Keys are tagged by number, never by address, and codes are stored encrypted. They are returned the day the service ends.
Do you do repairs?
No. We keep a list of highly rated, trusted vendors for repairs and maintenance, and we can arrange and oversee the work. You pay the vendor directly.
Can you meet a contractor at my house?
Yes. We can meet and monitor contractors for an hourly fee that we agree on in advance.
Can my family get the reports too?
Yes. Add anyone you like and they get every report, with the same photos.
How often should my house be checked?
Every two weeks suits most homes and is what many insurance policies have in mind. Older systems, a history of water trouble, or a long absence argue for weekly. Ask your agent what your policy expects.
Does this help with my insurance?
Often, yes. Many homeowner policies expect a vacant house to be checked on a schedule, and coverage for freezing and water damage can depend on being able to prove it. Every report records who was there, when, what was checked, and photos. Ask your agent what your policy requires.
What does it cost?
It depends on the house and how often you want it checked. Send us a message with the address and your dates and we will give you a plain monthly price. No long contract.
What happens when I am home?
Nothing, unless you want it to. Stop the service when you are back and start it again when you leave.
Still wondering about something?
Send us a message